Sickness, Starting Over and Scheduling

Wednesday, February 06, 2013

Well, the move into my new apartment went very smoothly. As it turns out, I have very few earthly belongings...so loading the truck took about 30 minutes with just my husband and me and my father-in-law. Drove the truck to the new apartment and my move-in helpers weren't to arrive for another 1.5 hours. I got every single thing unloaded from that truck all by myself except for my bed, a dresser, a table and a couch. I was feeling pretty badass that day! Haha.

First night was rough with missing the kids. My 4 year old really didn't understand why I wasn't "coming home" after I was finished unpacking at my new house. He and I had been talking excitedly about my move for over a week beforehand, but he just wasn't fully grasping it. That was difficult. But...it would only be three days alone, then I'd start my first full week with the kids (we are switching off full weeks at a time). I was so blessed to have amazing friends (present and virtual) to keep me company Friday, Saturday and Sunday...so I wouldn't be alone and wouldn't have to bear the transition entirely on my own. It was a lovely distraction and a very happy weekend for me...one in which I fully embraced my new found freedom with deep and profound joy.

Even so, I was jumping out of my skin excited to go to church Sunday and see my kids for the first time and take them home with me that afternoon. They were wild with excitement over the new place. The four year old calls it "your awesome house". We have had such special and wonderful times together in that apartment these past 3 days...just the four of us. I quickly realized that my kids are just as happy in a 700 square foot apartment with very few belongings as they are in a 2,000 square foot house loaded with "stuff", as long as they feel loved and like they are the center of my world. And they certainly are.

While I don't have much, I do have everything I need to live right now and I can't complain about that. We are waiting on a shower curtain, so we are currently taking only baths...which is not new for the kids, but new for me. Haha. Funny story on beds right now, though...I have a bunk bed for the girls but only the frame. A friend was nice enough to give it to us for free AND bring it over AND install it! Waiting for payday to get mattresses, though. Right now, the girls are sleeping in my Queen-sized bed and my son has a little couch/bed that he sleeps on next to them on the floor. I try to get as much of the night as possible on the couch...but he always comes out around 2am and begs me to come into the room with them. The past few nights, I end up laying across the foot of the bed at my girls' feet...just like a cat. Haha. Hey...whatever works.

In terms of training for my half marathon, this is dicey. I was sick and missed a week and a half of training runs. Then, the move. Now, my week with the kids. I did find out that the YMCA has childcare until 8pm and my girls have martial arts 7:15-8pm Tues and Thurs. Because my 4 yr old LOVES to go to childcare (he thinks it's school), I put him in there last night and I was able to get a 2 mile run in on the treadmill (first run in over 2 weeks) and it felt AWESOME!!!

So, I plan to hit my training really hard on the weeks the kids are with their dad, definitely do at least the two nights when the kids are with me...but it's my long runs I am struggling with. I usually do them on Saturdays. I suppose I could shift them every other week to Sunday afternoon when my kids have gone to their Dad's? Anyway...it's just mass confusion right now with scheduling my workouts. But my body misses the consistent exercise and so does my mind. I found I was much more patient and able to handle the kids when they got wild last night after a good run than the night before when I felt very stressed and tightly wound. In fact, after that stressful night, I actually dreamed I was running and it felt amazing (is that a message from God or something? Haha. He was saying, "Leah...get back to it!!! Figure it out! You've got to do this to stay sane and be a good mom!")

So, at some point...if I EVER have some time to think...I am going to adjust this training schedule and find a way to get the miles in. The thought of running the Mini in May without the mileage under my belt is scary to me. I know I can do it, as I proved in October (when all I did was swim for a month beforehand because my ankle was injured)...but there was quite a lot of pain after that race that I'm not willing to go through again if I can help it.

So, there you have it. A full update. Sure have missed this blogging business. Will have to make it a point to work that in more often now too. :)

FITMAMA4EVER
While it sounds like you have tons of changes to face, it's great that you are keeping as much balance as possible. Making time for yourself will actually make you a better mom too-it sounds like you're doing very well. Hang in there and keep praying too!1402 days ago

KIPPER15
The transition can be tough, you are doing great! Keep the good attitude and the schedule will fall into place. Spring is on the way with longer days and better weather. You can do it! 1402 days ago

FRANCIEVW
Leah, remember your long run can happen any day of the week, with a little planning. Especially when daylight savings time returns next month. Don't box yourself in on the weekends. Proud of you. Keep talking to God.1402 days ago

THEHAPPYSUSAN
As someone who's been down the same road you're on I must tell you how proud I am of you. You have a positive attitude, you're flexible and wise and you are taking good care not only of your precious children but also of your precious self. Keep up the good work!

Yes, there will be many tears when you're alone but rest assured that your children will always love you, NO MATTER WHAT, and that is the most important gift to treasure. You're a great mom and they know in their own ways that they are blessed; they're embracing your new life as much as you are and they've learned that from you, Mom! Great job!

KJELLYBEAN15
It's just like anything - it'll get better with practice. You have had some major changes in your life and it'll be a while before this becomes the normal for you. Be strong. Be courageous. You've got this.1402 days ago

KARENLEIGH32
That was great, you will be able to fit it all in. It just takes time, but you can do it. My nephew divorced a couple of years ago, he and X trade off the weeks just as you have planned. Its working after a lot of working together for the kids. Again you can do it!1402 days ago

PATTISTAMPS
So glad to hear that you are doing well... Yes, I know there are probably nights when you cry yourself to sleep - kids aren't with you, life sucks, etc. Hopefully more of your nights are filled with planning, activity and also introspection. It WILL get better, and it sounds like you are adjusting. I am really glad that you and your husband are able to do this in a civilized way, putting the kids first.

Keep your inner spark burning - you are an amazing woman!!!1402 days ago

SENIORSWIMMER
You probably already know this. Epsom Salts. I've just started using them since OUR POOL IS CLOSED FOR REPAIR for about SIX weeks. My body is not handling the pounding of daily walking and/or aerobics. I am soaking in epsom salts a lot. I got a lavender scented bag at WalMart. My highly "natural" knowledgable next door neighbor tells me Epsom Salts are an excellent way to boost your magnesium levels.

I can't wait until the pool reopens. I'm going to swim every day until my arms fall off.1402 days ago

LISBETHSALANDER
You have a winning attitude toward this huge life transition. All these major changes have both good and bad aspects, the outcome for you depends on which aspects you choose for your focus. Keep counting your blessings and choose to do this the easy way instead of the hard way filled with animosity. I am so proud of your attitude and you are making a great life for your children. 1402 days ago

GINGERHAWK
I remember the transition period after I initially separated from my ex a decade ago. While it was tough, I learned so much about myself and actually improved my relationship with my son. You'll work through and find a groove that works for you and the kids. For now, keeping rolling and adapting and you'll get there soon!1402 days ago

LINDAK25
Transitions can be hard, but life in general is hectic, especially with three kids. Sounds like your okay. Change is difficult for me, but I've learned that once I accept it, things have a way of falling into place--I think you're already there, now you just have to get comfortable.1402 days ago

BRIDGIEEE
Good luck with this new direction in life. It sounds like you are already figuring it out and are well on your way to a more happy beginning. As far as the running and working out goes...do what you can but don't try to do it all. You may end up more stressed out in the end than it is worth! You'll keep up with your training though because you are dedicated! 1402 days ago